The resumption of the construction of the Second Temple marks a significant period in Jewish history, reflecting both divine providence and the perseverance of the Jewish people. This phase of the Second Temple's construction is primarily chronicled in the books of Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, which provide insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by the returning exiles.

Historical Context

Following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, the Jewish exiles were permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, as recorded in Ezra 1:2-4. The initial efforts to lay the foundation were met with enthusiasm, but opposition from surrounding peoples and internal discouragement led to a cessation of work (Ezra 4:4-5). The construction remained halted for approximately 16 years.

Prophetic Encouragement

The resumption of the Temple's construction was significantly influenced by the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah. Haggai, in particular, delivered a series of messages urging the people to prioritize the rebuilding of the Temple over their personal affairs. In Haggai 1:4-8 , the prophet challenges the people: "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? ... Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD."

Zechariah's visions and messages also provided encouragement and hope, emphasizing God's presence and future blessings upon Jerusalem. Zechariah 4:6 famously declares, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts," underscoring the divine empowerment behind the rebuilding efforts.

Royal Support and Completion

The resumption of construction was further facilitated by the support of Darius I, the Persian king. After a search of the royal archives confirmed Cyrus's original decree, Darius issued a new decree that not only allowed the work to continue but also provided resources for its completion (Ezra 6:1-12). This royal endorsement was crucial in overcoming local opposition and ensuring the project's success.

The Temple was finally completed in the sixth year of Darius's reign, around 516 BC, as noted in Ezra 6:15 : "And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius." The dedication of the Temple was marked by great joy and the offering of sacrifices, as the people celebrated the restoration of their central place of worship (Ezra 6:16-18).

Significance

The resumption and completion of the Second Temple hold profound theological and historical significance. It symbolized the restoration of the Jewish community in their ancestral land and the renewal of their covenantal relationship with God. The Second Temple served as the focal point of Jewish religious life until its destruction in AD 70, and its resumption is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the resilience of His people.Ezra 4:24
Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased to the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
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Ezra 5:1
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even to them.
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Ezra 6:1
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
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Haggai 1:2-9
Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built.
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Haggai 2:15
And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid on a stone in the temple of the LORD:
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Zechariah 8:9
Thus said the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, you that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
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Teaching in the Temple on the Octave of the Feast of Tabernacles.
... and His return with the restoration of the Temple. ... garden, can understand that of
the second garden. ... putting aside this interruption, He resumed His argument. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii teaching in the.htm

Mosaic Cosmogony.
... history of man, between the creation of its component matter recorded in the first
verse, and the era at which its history is resumed in the second verse: nor ...
/.../temple/essays and reviews the education of the world/mosaic cosmogony.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and third figures are Medes, the second and fourth ... As they fell back they plundered
the temple of Derketo ... him by the Scythians, immediately resumed his efforts ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Last Supper.
... John passes over the second cleansing of the temple and the ... When he had completed
his task, he laid aside the towel, resumed his robe, sat down to the table ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the last supper.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... and, accordingly, the foundations of the second temple were then laid ... a community
of worship in the new temple. ... Haggai; and the building was resumed with fresh ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... had told them that He would come the second time. ... a voice against Jerusalem and against
the temple! ... that fell upon Jerusalem when the siege was resumed by Titus ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

To the End and After
... compelled her army to retire, and resumed the siege of ... dispatched to Jerusalem to
burn the Temple, the Palace ... and to transport to Babylon a second multitude of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture vi to the end.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... had told them that He would come the second time. ... a voice against Jerusalem and against
the temple! ... that fell upon Jerusalem when the siege was resumed by Titus ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Athor, the Golden
... On, seeing to the decoration of the second obelisk reared ... seat, "my father may yet
decorate a temple to Set ... After a little thought he resumed his felicitations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vii athor the golden.htm

Peter Commits Perjury.
... The second witness added, "Thou hast exalted thyself ... say, 'I will destroy this temple
which is ... canst." Jesus remaining silent, Caiaphas resumed, "Thou thinkest ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter v peter commits perjury.htm

Was it God's desire for Israel to worship Him in a temple in Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning and significance of the Temple Mount? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Ezekiel's temple? | GotQuestions.org

Temple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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